The ruling Thursday comes after worker's attorneys argued that abuses are routine and widespread when companies aren't required to issue direct orders to take breaks. But the high court sided with business when it ruled thatrequiring companies to order breaks is unmanageable and that those decisions should be left to workers.

The case was initially filed nine years ago against Brinker International, the parent company of Chili's and other eateries, byrestaurant workers complaining of missed breaks in violation of California labor law.